LONDON: Scores of poetry and literature enthusiasts flocked to the Uni­versity of Westminster in Fitzrovia over the weekend to attend the 9th “Faiz Amn Mela” organised by the UK’s Faiz Cultural Foundation.

The event this year was entitled ‘Three Poets, Once Voice’, and paid homage to the works of progressive poets Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Sheikh Ayaz and Kaifi Azmi. The one-day festival saw book launches, poetry recitals as well as speeches, and concluded with performances by Nirmala Meghani and Shafqat Ali Khan. Notable speakers included Noor Zaheer, Iftikhar Arif, Mujahid Barelvi and Ali Tauqeer.

During the speeches, the organisers thanked all those present for their contribution to their event.

“I want to thank all those people who make this event possible each year. Our sponsors have been very generous and have kept the writings and spirit of Faiz alive,” said Akram Kaimkhani. He talked about how the writings of Faiz are as relevant even today, as Pakistan undergoes political turmoil and is confronted with many challenges.

After the opening speeches, poetry recitals began and speakers delivered excerpts from the writings of the three poets being honoured.

The event is held each year at a different university in the UK and is attended by enthusiasts from all over England, as well as some cities in Europe. The auditorium on Saturday was nearly packed to capacity with people in festive shalwar-kameez, suits and even saris.

“This event has been held to give these poets’ progressive message of humanity and equality to everyone in India and Pakistan,” said organiser Asim Shah. “The appeal of Faiz sahib’s expressions is very relevant to today’s divisions in society and the extent to which freedoms are being eroded. Faiz sahib is a progressive poet and his pro-people expression is an evergreen appeal.”

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2019